… JEWELRY CARE …
Summer Fashion Woman
Fashion Newsroom
GIA
SAFETY TIPS ON WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT CLEANING AND CARING FOR YOUR FINE JEWELY |
Jewelry
is one of our most intimate and cherished accessories. An elegant
pair of pearl and platinum earrings, for example, makes an individual
statement, nestled against the skin and resplendent in lustrous light.
Yet, according to experts at the nonprofit GIA, chemicals found
in everyday substances like hairspray, lotions, perfumes, or other
cosmetics can permanently damage the nacre of your dazzling pearl
, and can corrode the alloys in that shiny setting. Understanding
how to care for your treasured jewelry can make a world of difference
in maintaining its beauty and keeping its heirloom quality sparkling
for generations to come.
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CLEANING ON THE PREMISES |
GIA says that light and heat can affect a colored gemstones
durability and color. Just as the suns harmful rays can
damage our skin, over time and in excess, it can also fade and
weaken some gemstones, such as amethyst, kunzite, topaz, and
pink conch-shell cameos. Pearls and other delicate materials,
like ivory, will bleach under extreme exposure to light. Other
gems, especially amber, can darken over time when exposed to
too much light.
Excessive
heat and sudden temperature changes may also fracture the gem.
Heat can easily remove the natural moisture some gems need to
keep their beauty. Pearls, for instance, can dry out, crack
and discolor. Opals will turn white or brown, develop tiny cracks,
and might lose their play-of-color.
Exposure
to chemicals can damage and discolor precious metals
gold, silver, and platinum and may harm some colored
gems. Fine jewelry should be removed before diving into a chlorinated
swimming pool, or before using household cleaners. Many of these
cleaners contain ammonia, and are only safe for diamonds and
the more durable colored gems. Chlorine bleach, another common
household solvent, can pit gold alloys.
GIA recommends cleaning most colored gems with warm water, mild
soap (no detergents), and a soft brush. A pulsed-water dental
cleaning appliance and a soft, lint-free cloth can also be used.
Be sure to stop the sinks drain or use a rubber mat in
case the stone comes loose from its setting.
Proper jewelry
storage is often overlooked. Jewelry should never be tossed
into a drawer or on top of a dresserthats a recipe
for scratches and fractured gems. Most jewelry pieces come in
a box or pouch from the store, which is a perfect place to keep
them. Sterling silver, for example, should be kept in an anti-tarnish
bag or cloth.
Jewelry
boxes that feature individually padded slots for rings, and
posts for hanging necklaces and bracelets, are also ideal. Like
pearls, opals draw moisture from the air. Storing your opal
ring or pearl earrings in a dry area, such as a safety deposit
box, can actually do more harm than good. When traveling with
jewelry, protect the pieces from scratches or other impact damage
by padding the jewelry.
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